SEC to Hold Small Business Capital Formation Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2010-181

Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2010 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it will hold its annual forum on small business capital formation on November 18 at its Washington, D.C., headquarters.

The forum enables the SEC and its staff to interact with the small business community and exchange ideas on issues that impact the ability of small companies to raise capital. One session will include a panel of representatives from small business organizations making recommendations to improve small business capital formation.

"Facilitating capital formation is a vital component of the three-part mission of the SEC, and this forum will continue to provide ideas on ways for the SEC to improve access to capital for smaller businesses," said Gerald Laporte, Chief of the SEC's Office of Small Business Policy.

The names of panel participants and the full agenda for the forum will be announced at a later date and posted on the small business page of the SEC website. The forum will begin at 9 a.m. ET with morning panel discussions that will be webcast on the SEC's website. During the afternoon breakout group sessions, which will be accessible by teleconference but not webcast, participants will work together to formulate specific policy recommendations. Anyone wishing to participate in the forum breakout groups either in-person or by teleconference must register for the forum online by November 15.

The SEC is looking for suggestions on specific topics to be discussed at the forum and for recommendations to be considered by the forum breakout groups. These suggestions, or any questions about the forum, can be e-mailed to the SEC's Office of Small Business Policy at SmallBusiness@sec.gov. For more information, call (202) 551-3460.